NOTIFICATION OF PARTICULARS OF WRIT FOR REFERENDUM

I have received a writ issued by His Excellency the Governor-General commanding me to cause a proposed law for the alteration of the Constitution entitled –

Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023

to be submitted, according to law, in each State and in the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory, to the electors who are qualified to vote at referendums, and appointing the following dates:

The proposed law is set out below.

Tom Rogers

Electoral Commissioner

11 September 2023

A PROPOSED LAW

to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

The Parliament of Australia, with the approval of the electors, as required by the Constitution, enacts:

1   Short title

This Act is the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023.

2   Commencement

This Act commences on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.

3   Schedule 1

The Constitution is altered as set out in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1 — Alteration of the Constitution

1  Table of contents

After:

Chapter VIII          Alteration of the Constitution

insert:

Chapter IX            Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

2  After Chapter VIII

Insert:

Chapter IX — Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

129   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

 In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

(i)                  there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

(ii)               the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

(iii)             the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.